Joy in Giving

Just before Easter I had the great pleasure of attending an event at Capilano University. It was an opportunity for scholarship/award winners and their donors to get together. You may remember a mention in an earlier post on this blog in which I described two awards that will be presented from proceeds coming from my life insurance policy. Well, I wasn't willing to wait until after I embark on the journey called my after-life-time. I put up a small sum (equal to less than $50/mon for one year) so I could have the joy of knowing that someone out there is benefiting from the gift during my lifetime. As luck would have it, the textile arts award I set up at Cap was presented to Rebecca Fisher (aka Rebecca Lavall), the woman who taught me to felt some 10 years ago! Rebecca and I have crossed paths many times over the past decade. We received our cancer diagnosis within two weeks of each other - mercifully, 'Becca is okay now. So it was quite the reunion that afternoon at Cap. We talked the better part of three hours, and still have loads to catch up on.

Here's a shot of Rebecca and me with Mary Lou Trinkwon, co-ordinator of the textile arts diploma program.

Healing Hands

While the current regime of drugs is doing wonders re battling the nasty bits that are overtaking my body, the cumulative side effects are becoming something of a trial in themselves. The blisters that plagued my hands and feet a few short weeks ago have given way to callouses and cracking, neither of which can be relieved by the prescribed cream no matter how much is applied. Hence my silence of late - it was just too darn painful and awkward to type. In an effort to provide some relief, my oncologist gave me this past week "off" the Capecitabine - since the skin issue will only get worse over time, she felt it best to get things under control sooner rather than later. I'm happy to say things have improved, although my right thumb and index finger continue to lack much in the way of feeling around the tip. As a result, my handwriting looks much as it did in the third grade. I was trying to do a bit of sewing yesterday, and had to pick the needle up with my left hand, and then transfer it to my right (dominant hand) to do the stitching. Things may be a bit awkward and uncomfortable, but they aren't painful. I see the oncologist again tomorrow. If she deems the Capecitabine "holiday" a success, I will resume the trial drugs as before albeit with another reduction in the Capecitabine.

This trip to Vancouver could prove to be a tad challenging for another reason. My friend Dan is arriving from Halifax tomorrow and is due to land at the Sechelt float plane dock at 5pm. If the Cancer Agency's pharmacy is as slow getting the meds together as they were last week (it took four hours to bundle 35 pills that were already pre-packaged in blister packs!), he might end up sleeping on the dock! On the upside, I might have a chance to take in the Vancouver Public Library's annual book sale before hopping the bus back to Horseshoe Bay.

Despite the challenges of cracking finger tips, I continue to enjoy life. In fact, this was one of the most enjoyable Easters I have in some time. The Easter Sunday service at St Hilda's was very uplifting. Felt so energized, I hosted a dinner for "Easter orphans" including my mother, Jon, and Jill. While the beer-infused onion soup, chicken in wine & mushroom sauce, and scalloped sweet potatoes with spinach were all well received, it was the "bunny cake" that proved to be the highlight of the meal. Inspiration came from the Easter cakes Momzy made for the family when I was very young.

Measure for Measure

The study nurse just called to give me a report re today's blood test (which I had done at the local lab). Everything continues to look good there. Jayne also provided some results re the CT scan that I had last week, the one that couldn't be reviewed before I saw the oncologist due to a tight turnaround time. Comparisons for only two of the lesions were given to me, but they represent the overall affect of the current drug cocktail. Lesion #1 is located in the lower lobe of my left lung. Before starting the drug trial, the lesion measured 12mm. Today, it is a mere 4mm. The sample lesion in the right side of the trachea began the study at an imposing 15mm but has since shrunk to 8mm. Yup, that does provide a pretty compelling reason to keep on the drug trial. Besides, other than some dryness/callousing on feet and fingertips (a post-blister effect) I've had no adverse side effects this week thanks to the reduced dose of Capecitabine. Nose hairs crossed that we've found the magic dose. I had great fun helping Penny celebrate her 60th b-day this past weekend, and fully intend to out-do the festivities come my own 60th. In the meantime, I'm sure I'll find other excuses to live life large with my amazing circle of friends.